US Bridges

County Highway over Niobrara River

FairPosted for load

Cherry County, Nebraska · 1E 1S of Valentine · Structure no. C0E1606105P

Built
1916
109 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
131 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Highway over Niobrara River is a steel truss - thru carrying County Highway over Niobrara River in Cherry County, Nebraska. It was built in 1916, so it is 109 years old, older than the Nebraska average of 47.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 24 by 2033. The structure is 131 ft (39.9 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18.6 mi (30 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Highway
CrossesNiobrara River
Location1E 1S of Valentine
RouteCounty Highway 0EP61
CountyCherry County
StateNebraska
Coordinates42.8521, -100.5214
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating8.8 US tons
Inventory rating5.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length131 ft (39.9 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.1 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2003)
Projected traffic24 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18.6 mi (30 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Highway over Niobrara River built?

It was built in 1916, making it 109 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Highway over Niobrara River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does County Highway over Niobrara River carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2003 count).

How long is County Highway over Niobrara River?

The structure is 131 ft (39.9 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns County Highway over Niobrara River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.